Legal Advice: Can I rent a room from the current tenant?

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envil Member

Member since 14 January 2018

envilMember14 January 2018 09:23:06

I've just moved in and I'm working in Singapore. I saw a room for rent from a post on a Facebook renting group, the author is the current tenant of the apartment. He has rented the who apartment and willing to share a common room. Is it legal to pay the money to the current tenant without making any contract with the property owner? Thank you!

Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia Expert14 January 2018 09:34:06

28684

Sub letting is not always acceptable to the landlord so I have to suggest it's a bad idea unless the landlord is aware.

envil Member

Member since 14 January 2018

envilMember14 January 2018 10:17:09

Thank you for your warning!

surya2k VIP Member

Member since 22 June 2014

surya2kVIP Member14 January 2018 13:45:52

2890

Sub letting is quite common in SG due to sky rocket house rental price, so bachelors do stay in a sub letting unit, even many low income foreigners with their families. But, it is also common that most of cases no legal agreement between the current tenant and the sub-tenant. So, your risk is that if owner will know and ask both the tenant and you to leave then you need to find out another place in a short notice.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert15 January 2018 07:59:28

15401

If you want to be certain of your status, you should
- check with HDB whether the flat owner is allowed to rent it out
- check with the owner whether the main tenant is allowed to sublet
- sign a written rental contract with the main tenant.

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